Creating this delicious Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken only requires a handful of accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor and texture that makes this dish a standout. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Italian-style Panko breadcrumbs: These are the secret to an incredibly light and airy, yet super crispy crust. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko’s flaky texture absorbs less oil, resulting in a superior crunch. The pre-mixed Italian-style seasoning also means you get an extra layer of herbaceous flavor without needing to add a multitude of individual spices.
• Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan if possible, as it melts beautifully and delivers a salty, nutty richness that’s far superior to pre-grated varieties. This cheese is key to the savory depth of the crispy coating.
• All-purpose flour: This initial coating acts as a crucial binder, helping the egg wash adhere evenly to the chicken cutlets. This ensures a thick, consistent layer of the flavorful Parmesan-panko mixture, which is essential for that perfect crust.
• Eggs: Whisked eggs create the vital “glue” that allows the breadcrumb mixture to stick firmly to the chicken. Without a good egg wash, your crust wouldn’t hold up, resulting in a less satisfying texture.
• Dijon mustard: Don’t skip this ingredient! Dijon mustard adds a subtle yet distinct tang and depth of flavor to the egg wash. It perfectly complements the savory Parmesan and aromatic herbs, adding a nuanced complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Chicken breasts: For optimal and even cooking, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, remember to thaw them completely before you begin the preparation to ensure they cook through properly and safely.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and precise quantities.

Making this incredibly flavorful Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. Follow these easy steps to achieve a dish that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy within.

1. Preheat and Prep for Success. Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your chicken is ready to go in, contributing to that desirable crispy texture. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil; this simple step makes for significantly easier cleanup, saving you time and effort after dinner.
2. Assemble Your Dredging Station. Set up three shallow bowls for your breading process. In the first bowl, combine the Italian-style panko breadcrumbs with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. In the second shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with a generous pinch of black pepper. Finally, in the third shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and Dijon mustard until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This organized setup is key to a smooth and efficient breading process.
3. Perfectly Dredge the Chicken. Take each chicken breast and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This initial flour coating creates a dry surface for the egg wash to cling to. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring every inch is well coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, firmly coating all sides. You want a thick, even layer of that delicious Parmesan-panko crust – don’t be shy about pressing firmly to get it to adhere beautifully!
4. Sear for Golden Perfection. Heat a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here for even heat distribution) over medium heat and add enough avocado or vegetable oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the breaded chicken breasts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, or until it achieves a gorgeous, deep golden-brown color. This crucial searing step not only adds incredible flavor and color but also locks in the juices, ensuring your chicken remains moist and tender. Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least two inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
5. Bake to Juicy Completion. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken until it is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. Depending on the exact thickness of your chicken breasts and the intensity of your initial sear, this final baking step typically takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you remove the perfectly crusted chicken from the oven, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Allow it to rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before cutting or serving. This vital resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute, ensuring every bite of your chicken is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.

Achieving perfectly crispy and juicy Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your chicken turns out spectacular every time:

• Even Thickness is Key: Chicken breasts often vary in thickness, which can lead to uneven cooking—some parts dry, others undercooked. If your chicken breasts are a little uneven, I highly recommend placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and giving them a quick pound with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. Aim for an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing dry edges and guaranteeing tender, juicy results throughout.
• Customize Your Crust: While Italian-style panko breadcrumbs already include herbs, feel free to unleash your creativity and customize the breadcrumb mixture with additional seasonings and spices to suit your taste. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or smoked paprika can add another layer of flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes stirred into the breadcrumbs will provide a pleasant kick.
• Stovetop-Only Option for Thinner Cutlets: For chicken breasts that are on the thinner side (around 1/2-inch or less after pounding), they may cook through entirely during the searing process on the stovetop. If you achieve a golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) while searing, you can skip the oven baking step altogether! This makes the recipe even faster, perfect for those super busy evenings. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness before serving.

This versatile Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion. Here are some of my top recommendations that perfectly complement its crispy texture and savory flavor:

• Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes – The ultimate comfort food pairing! These savory, crispy potato pancakes offer a delightful contrast to the chicken, adding a creamy, cheesy element that’s utterly irresistible.
• Caesar Pasta Salad – This is truly the recipe mashup of my dreams! Imagine thin, crispy, juicy chicken cutlets sliced into strips and piled atop crisp shredded Romaine lettuce, tossed with the best-ever homemade Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. PERFECTION!
• Cacio e Pepe Pasta – For those craving carbs, a simple yet elegant pasta side dish like Cacio e Pepe is an excellent choice. Its minimalist perfection, featuring butter, abundant Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper, allows the chicken to remain the star while providing a rich, savory backdrop.
• Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles – A fantastic green vegetable option! The smoky, salty bacon and tender-crisp asparagus provide a wonderful flavor and texture complement to the crusted chicken.
• Easy Pull-Apart Pretzel Rolls – Warm, chewy, and slightly salty, these pretzel rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices or simply enjoying alongside your chicken.
• Honey Roasted Carrots – The natural sweetness of honey-roasted carrots provides a lovely balance to the savory chicken, adding a touch of vibrant color and earthy flavor to your plate.